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tocando

/toh-KAHN-doh/

touching

A close-up illustration of two index fingers gently touching tips, representing physical contact.

When referring to physical contact, tocando means 'touching'.

tocando(verb (gerund))

A1regular ar

touching

?

physical contact

Also:

handling

?

dealing with something physically

📝 In Action

El bebé está tocando el agua con la mano.

A1

The baby is touching the water with his hand.

Ten cuidado, estás tocando la pintura fresca.

A2

Be careful, you are touching the fresh paint.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • palpando (feeling/groping)
  • rozando (grazing/brushing lightly)

Common Collocations

  • estar tocando – to be touching

💡 Grammar Points

Forming Continuous Actions

The word 'tocando' is used after a form of 'estar' (to be) to show an action happening right now: 'Estoy tocando' (I am touching).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar'

Mistake: "Soy tocando (I am touching)"

Correction: Estoy tocando. Use 'estar' for temporary states and continuous actions like this one.

⭐ Usage Tips

Direct Contact

'Tocar' implies direct physical contact. If you mean 'to move' or 'to affect', you need a different verb.

A pair of hands actively strumming the strings of a simple acoustic guitar.

When used with musical instruments, tocando means 'playing'.

tocando(verb (gerund))

A2regular ar

playing

?

musical instrument

Also:

performing

?

music

📝 In Action

Mi hermano está tocando la guitarra en un concierto.

A2

My brother is playing the guitar in a concert.

Están tocando música clásica en el jardín.

B1

They are playing classical music in the garden.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • ejecutando (performing/executing)

Common Collocations

  • tocando el piano – playing the piano
  • tocando una canción – playing a song

💡 Grammar Points

Playing Instruments

In Spanish, the verb 'tocar' is used for playing any musical instrument, unlike English which uses 'play' and 'hit' (for drums) or 'blow' (for wind instruments).

A human fist making contact with a wooden door, depicting the action of knocking.

Used in the context of a door, tocando translates to 'knocking'.

tocando(verb (gerund))

B1regular ar

knocking

?

on a door

Also:

ringing

?

a bell

,

being the turn of

?

obligation/duty

📝 In Action

¿Quién está tocando la puerta a estas horas?

B1

Who is knocking on the door at this hour?

La campana de la iglesia está tocando las doce.

B2

The church bell is ringing twelve (o'clock).

Ahora le está tocando a Juan hacer la limpieza.

B2

Now it is Juan's turn to do the cleaning. (Lit: Now it is touching Juan to do the cleaning.)

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • tocando la puerta – knocking on the door
  • estar tocando a alguien – it's someone's turn

💡 Grammar Points

Impersonal Duty (Tocarle a alguien)

When used with an indirect object pronoun (like 'le' or 'me'), 'tocar' means something is a duty or obligation for that person. 'Me está tocando' means 'It is my turn/duty right now'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Context is Key

In the context of doors or bells, 'tocando' usually means 'knocking' or 'ringing,' which is a specific type of physical contact.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: tocando

Question 1 of 2

Which English verb is NOT a correct translation for 'tocando' depending on the context?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'tocando' a complete verb on its own?

No, 'tocando' is the gerund form, which is like the '-ing' form in English. It must be paired with a helping verb, usually 'estar' (to be), to form a complete continuous tense, like 'estoy tocando' (I am playing).

How do I say 'I am playing sports'?

You should use the verb 'jugar' (playing games/sports), not 'tocar'. 'Estoy jugando al fútbol' (I am playing soccer). Remember, 'tocar' is only for musical instruments or physical contact.